On the way to Assisi in the footsteps of St Francis

Cycling along the streets and paths once trodden by St Francis

This splendid tour extends along the hills between Perugia and Assisi, in the midst of cultivated fields and lush vineyards that offer unforgettable views of the landscape. Although it does not present any really tough climbs or descents, the itinerary is difficult due to the numerous ups and downs along the entire route and by the challenging elevation gain of 1200 metres, so we do not recommend it to less fit and inexperienced cyclists. We will set off from the sports facilities on the banks of the Tiber at Ponte Valleceppi (bridge), on the outskirts of Perugia, and immediately face the first climb to Civitella d’Arna. We will continue along the ridge of the hill until we reach Sant’Egidio where we’ll enjoy a heart-warming landscape between the vineyards overlooking Perugia and the plain at the foot of Monte Subasio, and then continue cycling towards Assisi. At the foot of the city, a 4.5-km climb will be waiting for us, although it’s not too steep, and this will take us to Piazza Matteotti, right in the centre. Here we’ll take a break to do some sightseeing of the wonders of Assisi, such as the Basilica di San Francesco, the Basilica di Santa Chiara or the Rocca Maggiore, and we will also take the opportunity to refresh and replenish ourselves with food and drinks. The most well-trained and adventurous amongst us will be able, at this point, to choose whether to make a detour to Monte Subasio by tackling the challenging 10-km climb that leads to the top of the mountain, where an incredible panorama will amply reward for their efforts. The itinerary continues gently downhill, down a splendid natural gorge to San Presto where the road begins to climb again, far away from traffic and flanked by cultivated fields, pastures and woods, with slopes of around 6% up to Casacastalda. Here will begin a demanding stretch of ups and downs before a long descent of 6 km that will take us to Valfabbrica, from where we will continue cycling along the Assisi-Valfabbrica-Gubbio ‘Sentiero Francescano della Pace’ (Franciscan Path of Peace). Once we reach Pianello, we will press on along small country roads immersed in the green hills and cultivated fields up to Pieve Pagliaccia, where we’ll turn in the direction of Pontevalleceppi and reach our starting point some 5 km further on. Our guides are waiting to accompany you with great competence and discretion in search of this territory whose unique connotations enchant countless visitors every ear. Book now, you won’t regret it!

Plan

1
briefing

h. 09:00
2
first part of the trail

h. 09:10
3
lunch break

h. 13:20
4
second part of the trail

h. 14:20

Recommended clothing

For this activity we recommend comfortable clothing that does not restrict your freedom of movement.
Bring a windcheater/anorak with you, even if the activity takes place in the summer months.
We recommend wearing the right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use.
We strongly recommend the use of a crash helmet suitable for biking.

We also recommend you bring:

A comfortable backpack suitable for cycling/walking
A warm sweater, such as a technical sports shir, for sudden drops in temperature
A change of clothes (especially socks) in case of sudden rain
Hat with a sun visor
Warm hat
Gloves
Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide
Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.
In most cases a car will be on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories are not included in this itinerary.

If you wish, you can choose bike hire from amongst our additional options. We will provide you with the bike that’s best suited to the type of route, taking your preferences into consideration, including helmets, pedaling accessories and spare parts for ordinary repairs. We have various types of bikes available, including e-bikes.

Time

The activity will last about 9 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian
English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Children

This activity is also open to children provided they are accompanied by their parents.

Pet policy

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Requirements

To do this activity it is essential to have a good level of physical fitness and to be in good health.

Additional information

This activity includes a lunch break, so we advise you to bring a packed lunch or to select the option ‘packed lunch’ so that we can provide it for you. Don’t forget to tell us about any allergies, intolerances or other special dietary needs: we will be happy to adapt your lunch to your needs.

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.
This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.
The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Data sheet

Recommended clothing

We recommend comfortable clothing

Warm hat

Hat with a sun visor

A change of clothes (especially socks)

Crash helmet suitable for biking

Windcheater/anorak

Gloves

Right footwear for the type of bike you are going to use

Backpack suitable for cycling

A heavy sweater, a technical sports-style sweater is ideal

Sunscreen

Included

Expert guide

Car on hand to provide any complex assistance or to keep drinks and food chilled

Mechanical assistance for repairs in case of punctures, problems with brakes or other malfunctions that can be dealt with on the spot.

Not included

Bicycles and related accessories

Everything that’s not listed under the heading ‘what is included’.

Time

The activity will last about 9 hours, including small stops. However, the duration may vary depending on the pace of the group and the need to take fewer or more breaks.

Languages

Italian

English

When

You can enjoy this experience throughout the year.

Requirements

This is a recommended activity for those in good physical shape and with a good level of training

Suitable for children

Provided they are accompanied by their parents

Pets are not allowed

We are sorry but no pets will be allowed to accompany you in this activity.

Additional information

Important

This activity can only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions, which will be evaluated by our partner and confirmed 48 hours in advance. In case of poor weather conditions we will immediately contact you and propose an alternative activity or a refund of the price paid.

This activity is subject to our operators’ availability. We have a large selection of collaborators capable of leading this activity, but if on the day you selected we do not have operators availabile, we will immediately, or in any case within 48 hours of booking, suggest an alternative activity you might wish to do or the choice of receiving a full refund of the price paid.

The times shown in the program are indicative and may vary according to your requests or those of the other participants in the group. These are always and in any case previously agreed with our staff or with the guide.

Always communicate through Exploring Umbria to ensure you receive the best bespoke service to suits your requirements. In order to protect your payments, never transfer money via channels outside the Exploring Umbria website.

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